as in increased
being at a higher level than average
for a time there was an escalated interest in the historical figure following the release of the blockbuster biography
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rose
to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number
as the war between the two countries escalated, it threatened to become a global conflict
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accelerated
to make greater in size, amount, or number
the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of escalated
Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The argument escalated to the point where Hunt made physical contact with her, according to the warrant.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Democrats have escalated their negotiating tactics with congressional Republicans and White House officials, who've been in sensitive talks over reforming the 9/11-era Cabinet agency since federal agents killed a second Minnesotan, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, in January.
—Zachary Schermele, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
There, an argument broke out that quickly escalated and turned violent.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Early last month, farmers escalated their protests with a 48-hour blockade of major highways, toll stations and junctions over high production costs and the European Union’s trade deal with South American nations.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
On Monday, what started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated.
—Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Multiple warning signs existed prior to public disclosure but were not escalated appropriately.
—Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
When the fight escalated, Lagrone shot Manns once with a pistol, the bullet going through Manns’ arm and lodging in his spine, the release said.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
According to the eyewitness, tensions escalated after the man — who had allegedly been drinking — was unable to purchase cigarettes onboard and became aggressive.
—Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
The argument escalated to the point where Hunt made physical contact with her, according to the warrant.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Democrats have escalated their negotiating tactics with congressional Republicans and White House officials, who've been in sensitive talks over reforming the 9/11-era Cabinet agency since federal agents killed a second Minnesotan, 37-year-old nurse Alex Pretti, in January.
—Zachary Schermele, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
There, an argument broke out that quickly escalated and turned violent.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
Early last month, farmers escalated their protests with a 48-hour blockade of major highways, toll stations and junctions over high production costs and the European Union’s trade deal with South American nations.
—ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026
On Monday, what started as a peaceful protest quickly escalated.
—Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Multiple warning signs existed prior to public disclosure but were not escalated appropriately.
—Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 12 Feb. 2026
When the fight escalated, Lagrone shot Manns once with a pistol, the bullet going through Manns’ arm and lodging in his spine, the release said.
—Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for escalated
Adjective
-
That stoked fears that the specialized client services offered by brokerage and wealth management firms could face increased competition.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Redshirt sophomore forwards Jana El Alfy and Ayanna Patterson may also see increased minutes.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Palmerston, the black and white feline who rose from the streets of London to the hallowed halls of Britain’s Foreign Office, has died in Bermuda, London’s foreign ministry said Monday.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
But Duvall rose to prominence the next decade, first as the ornery Major Frank Burns in the 1970 antiwar comedy M*A*S*H, reuniting with Robert Altman, who’d previously cast him in 1967’s Countdown.—
Tim Grierson,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The series adds to a growing wave of Iberian co-productions leveraging talent and locations from both countries, a trend that has accelerated as Spanish and Portuguese producers increasingly look to pool resources and expand their reach globally.—
Callum McLennan,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The January raid reshaped the balance of power in the country and accelerated changes to its most important economic asset.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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What's so appealing about this spring boot is their comfortable fit and elevated, androgynous structure, which looks very similar to an Oxford dress shoe when paired with Johnson's black Agolde straight-leg '90s jeans.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Heavy snow was forecast for elevated areas, Spender said.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The scandal swelled again after the DOJ released photos in January that appeared to show Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman or girl lying on the floor.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The Cowgirls could manage only three free throws in the third period and Allen’s lead swelled to 31-17 going into the fourth quarter.—
Ishmael Johnson,
Dallas Morning News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Initially created to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, the board has since expanded to address conflicts worldwide.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In 1998, the firm expanded into furniture with Mario Bellini’s revolutionary Bellini chair, which was awarded the prestigious Compasso d’Oro design award in 2001.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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And the stakes were extremely high.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Under the bill, school districts can apply for reimbursement for any high-needs student for costs beyond $30,000 per student, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $100,000 per student.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Advertisement Takaichi’s hawkish approach to China has boosted her popularity.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The administration’s attacks on Lemon and independent journalists have boosted their online attention and revenue.—
Drew Harwell,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Escalated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/escalated. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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